Bike chain gone rusty

[ray316]

Can someone give me tips and advice on what to do with a rusty bike chain...
I have not used my road bike for several months as l have been using another road bike over this period..
Anyway it has been stored away from the elements of the weather , but on getting it out this morning the chain is rusty and when l turned it up side down to spin the pedals/wheel the chain just gathered up where the small deralier wheels are and would,nt free it self even when l put wd40 on it...
So how can l free the chain to spin freely and stop this happening again ...

 

[numbnuts]

This is what happens to a bike when you ignore it, it cried and made the chain all rusty it needs some TLC

 

[Profpointy]

for the sake of a tenner, I'd just stick a new chain on..... and don't be so naughty next time

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Chain gone rusty because bike has been put away wet - how do I know this?
Liberally douse in GT85 jockey wheels, rear derallieur, cassette, chain.
I think W40 will work just as well.
Then wear a pair of disposable gloves, free the chain by moving links up and down till chain is flexible again.
Using an old towel or such, turn the cranks, wipe chain several times till the rust is gone.
You might have to do this routine several times.
If you can take the chain off, it's easier to just leave it in a bath of GT85.
Chain now clean, lube with chain oil of choice, wipe, lube again as per Mickle method.

 

[ray316]

Tried WD40 and wire brush on the chain and it's not much better so think l will get a new chain....

How do l know what length of chain is needed for my bike, and as l have never taken a chain off before to replace one how do l go about replacing for a new one ..

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Have you checked if your chain has got a quick link?
Instructions on how to remove a link here
Count how many links your old chain has, new one should have the same.

 

[Profpointy]

Tried WD40 and wire brush on the chain and it's not much better so think l will get a new chain....

How do l know what length of chain is needed for my bike, and as l have never taken a chain off before to replace one how do l go about replacing for a new one ..

You need a chain remover - but get a reasonably good one - not the cheapest. Good one cheap enough anyway. AND READ THE INSTRUCTIONS which come with it before putting the new chain back on.

Chains are sold plenty long enough, so remove enough links till it's same as old one
(unless for any reason the old one's been shortened after a problem)

 

[Profpointy]

You need a chain remover - but get a reasonably good one - not the cheapest. Good one cheap enough anyway. AND READ THE INSTRUCTIONS which come with it before putting the new chain back on.

Chains are sold plenty long enough, so remove enough links till it's same as old one
(unless for any reason the old one's been shortened after a problem)

Forgot to add, new chains come in different widths, which depend on the number of gears on the back. Just need to check it's compatible with x speeds.

 

[Roscoe]

Just doing a wee search and saw this thread.

How on earth do you stop the chain and cassettes getting rusty in this weather? I've got a Carreras TDF, ride it 3 times a week and give it a clean lube once a week. The cassette and chain are still nice and shiny but this morning looked a bit rusty. The bike lives in an unheated shed with the old mountain bikes and yes, it is slightly damp and cold.

I use Fenwicks foaming chain cleaner on it once a week. Is it invetible that I'll get rusty bits by using the bike all winter?

If I was to use GT 85 on the cassette, my concern is it dripping I the rear wheel in storage and messing up the braking. I don't clean it after every ride, just on a Sunday after my last ride.

Thanks
Ross

 

[Profpointy]

don't clean it with degreasers / detergents just wipe with oily rag and keep oiled. The "mickle" method

 

[Roscoe]

Yes but then it won't be shiny anymore

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Just doing a wee search and saw this thread.

How on earth do you stop the chain and cassettes getting rusty in this weather? I've got a Carreras TDF, ride it 3 times a week and give it a clean lube once a week. The cassette and chain are still nice and shiny but this morning looked a bit rusty. The bike lives in an unheated shed with the old mountain bikes and yes, it is slightly damp and cold.

I use Fenwicks foaming chain cleaner on it once a week. Is it invetible that I'll get rusty bits by using the bike all winter?

If I was to use GT 85 on the cassette, my concern is it dripping I the rear wheel in storage and messing up the braking. I don't clean it after every ride, just on a Sunday after my last ride.

Thanks
Ross

Clean it after using it each and everytime (roads get salted, Salt and water do not help matters) and use proper chain oil or wax, not GT 85. Last time I put mine away i did just this after a 44 mile commute in the rain, then ruptured a disk in my spine. That way over 5 weeks ago ... Haven't been on the bike since and despite storing the bike outside under the cheapest argos bike cover possible, it is not rusty and has had nothing done to it because it can barely leave my bed let alone oil a chain outside. I had my oh photo it to prove to me it didn't need attention I am currently using this stuff. It seems to work!

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Yes but then it won't be shiny anymore

It will be.

 

[Roscoe]

Just to clarify, I only use gt85 to get of water. I apply Finish Line wet lube to the chain after this. How does that wax Finish Line hold up in the wet?

Wash and lube every ride?

 

[Roscoe]

"Rid of water"